He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
It Don't Mean a Thing
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Joe Williams’s song It Don't Mean a Thing is about the significance of the swing, the rhythm essential for making a song or music enjoyable. The lyrics suggest that even if a song has melody or is hot, it loses its essence without a swing. The repetition of "it don't mean a thing" underlines the importance of the rhythm in making the music lively.
The lyricist uses simple words and phrases that are easy to grasp yet profound in the meaning they convey. The lyrics follow an AABA structure with the A sections focusing on the rhythm of the swing and the B section pointing towards the significance of the singer in creating the rhythm.
The song is an embodiment of the swing era of jazz. Joe Williams’s voice with its impeccable timing and swing adds depth to the song's meaning. The song became a classic because of its catchy tune and its ability to ignite the spirit of swing in people.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
Something lacking in swing is something lacking life
If it ain't got that swing
It's only pleasant if it's got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Some background sounds
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Background sounds continued
It don't mean a thing
There's no point if it's not done with swing
All you got to do is sing
Swing can be achieved with singing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Background sounds
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Background sounds continued
It makes no diff'rence
It's all the same
If it's sweet or hot
It doesn't matter if it's soft or loud
Just give that rhythm
All we need is the rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Put all your effort into it
Oh, it don't mean a thing
It's pointless if there's no swing
If it ain't got that swing
Without that swing, it's not worth it
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Some background sounds
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Background sounds continued
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@huntermcelveen6094
These two are such a great gift to music. I still enjoy their music even today in 2021.
@DrewWasMe
Gorgeous. Watch how Sarah lets Mr. Williams take the lead in the scat sequence. That's what admiration between great artists is all about, letting the moment shine, whether its yours or your counterparts. So fun.
@bassmanspeights7022
Now this is phenomenal yes Lord
@Shedrick7711
They are having so much fun. I love it.
@Nepenthean58
Thad's classic arrangement. Billy Taylor on piano.
@bethbartlett5692
The wonderful Joe Williams - was my neighbor - yep! And a friend of my husband now X - also a Vocal Artist
Great man - and he had a Great Wife -
Miss him -
@exsqueezeme3353
My heavens !!!!! What luck
@saraleebarker5158
AMAZING
@billpiechocki
The Gates of Heaven!
@MrBandgeek234
Ms. Vaughan always swung to Thad Jones arrangements just a bit more!